The character of a good ruler. As it was recommended in a sermon preached…

2 In regard to the weal of the People over whom they Rule.

A People are not made for Rulers, But Rulers for a People. It is indeed an Honour which God puts upon some above others, when he takes them from among the People, and sets them up to Rule over them, but it is for the Peoples sake, and the Civil felicity of them is the next end of Civil Policy; and the happiness of Rulers ⟨p. 16⟩is bound up with theirs in it. Nor can any wise men in authority think themselves happy in the Misery of their Subjects, to whom they either are or should be as Children are to to their Fathers: We have the Benefit of Government expressed, 1. Tim.2: 2. a quiet Life and a peaceable, in all Godliness and honesty. and it lies especially with Rulers, under God, to make a People Happy or Miserable. When men can enjoy their Liberties and Rights without molestation or oppression; when they can live without fear of being born down by their more Potent Neighbours; when they are secured against Violence, and may be Righted against them that offer them any injury, without fraud; and are encouraged to serve God in their own way, with freedom, and and without being imposed upon contrary to the Gospel precepts; now are they an happy People. But this is to be expected from none other but men just and Pious: they that are otherwise, will themselves be oppressors, and they that are influenced by them, and dependent on them, will add to the grievance. They that should look after them Will Do it fast enough: Yea every one will usurp a License to do so to his Neighbour upon an advantage: and such a people must needs groan under an intolerable ⟨p. 17⟩burden. Besides, it is a great Truth, that the Mercies and Judgments of God come upon a people, according as their Rulers carry themselves in managing of the Trust which God hath committed to them. Just and Zealous Rulers, are men that Stand in the Gap, and keep off Judgments from a sinning people; God sought for one such,